When Knighthood Was in Flower

Plot

Set in 16th century England, the film follows Princess Mary Tudor, sister to King Henry VIII, who falls deeply in love with Charles Brandon, a commoner newly arrived at court. Mary successfully convinces her brother to appoint Charles as Captain of the Guard, allowing them to spend time together despite their class differences. However, political tensions force Henry to arrange Mary's marriage to the elderly King Louis XII of France as part of a peace treaty between England and France. Determined to be with her true love, Mary devises a plan with Charles to escape the arranged marriage, leading to a dramatic chase across Europe as they attempt to outrun the King's guards and secure their future together.

Historical Background

The film was produced during the golden age of silent cinema in 1922, a period when Hollywood was establishing itself as the global center of film production. This was an era of lavish historical epics, with films like 'Robin Hood' (1922) and 'The Ten Commandments' (1923) setting new standards for production values. The early 1920s also saw the rise of the star system, with actors like Marion Davies becoming major box office draws. The film's focus on Tudor history reflected America's fascination with European royalty and aristocracy, providing an escape from the post-WWI recovery period. The success of this film demonstrated the growing power of independent producers like William Randolph Hearst in challenging the studio system.

Making Of

The production was marked by William Randolph Hearst's intense involvement and desire to create a prestige vehicle for Marion Davies. Director Robert G. Vignola worked closely with Davies to develop her dramatic performance, moving away from her previous comedic roles. The film featured thousands of authentic-looking period costumes, many created by renowned designer Travis Banton. The elaborate palace sets were constructed on Paramount's largest soundstages, with special attention to historical accuracy in the Tudor architecture. The production faced challenges with the extensive battle sequences and court scenes, requiring coordination of hundreds of extras. Davies and Stanley developed a close professional relationship during filming, which translated into convincing on-screen chemistry that audiences loved.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Ira H. Morgan was considered groundbreaking for its time, featuring innovative camera movements and lighting techniques. Morgan employed elaborate tracking shots during the chase sequences and used soft focus techniques to enhance the romantic scenes. The film utilized multiple exposure techniques for dream sequences and employed innovative lighting to create authentic period atmosphere. The battle sequences featured wide shots that captured the scale of the conflict, while intimate scenes used careful lighting to highlight the emotional content. The cinematography helped establish the visual language for historical epics that would influence filmmakers for decades.

Innovations

The film pioneered several technical innovations in costume design and set construction. The production developed new techniques for creating authentic-looking period armor that was lightweight enough for actors to wear during action sequences. The elaborate palace sets featured working fountains and movable walls, allowing for dynamic camera movements. The film's special effects, particularly in the chase sequences, used innovative matte painting techniques to create the illusion of vast European landscapes. The production also developed new methods for aging costumes and props to create authentic historical appearance.

Music

As a silent film, it was accompanied by live musical scores in theaters. The original cue sheet suggested classical pieces including works by Tchaikovsky and Wagner. For its 1928 re-release, a synchronized musical score was compiled featuring popular songs of the era. The music emphasized the romantic and dramatic elements of the story, with specific themes for the main characters. The original theatrical presentations often featured full orchestras, particularly in major cities, enhancing the film's epic feel.

Memorable Scenes

• The grand ballroom scene where Mary and Charles first dance together, featuring hundreds of extras in elaborate period costumes
• The dramatic escape sequence where Mary disguises herself as a commoner to flee the palace
• The tense confrontation between Henry VIII and Mary over her refusal to marry Louis XII
• The romantic boat scene on the Thames where Mary and Charles declare their love
• The final chase across the French countryside with royal guards in pursuit

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film lavishly, with Variety calling it 'a masterpiece of cinematic art' and Motion Picture Magazine hailing it as 'the finest historical drama ever produced'. Critics particularly singled out Marion Davies' performance, with many noting that she had finally proven herself as a serious dramatic actress. The film's visual splendor and attention to historical detail were widely celebrated. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an exemplary example of silent era craftsmanship, though some note that the historical liberties taken would not be acceptable in later eras. The film is often cited in retrospectives as one of the finest examples of the historical romance genre from the silent period.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences embraced the film enthusiastically, making it one of the biggest box office hits of 1922. The romance between Mary and Charles Brandon resonated strongly with viewers, and the film's spectacular visuals provided the kind of escapist entertainment that audiences craved after World War I. The film ran for months in many cities, with theaters often adding extra showings to accommodate demand. Marion Davies received thousands of fan letters praising her performance, and the film's success led to increased public acceptance of her as a serious actress. The movie's popularity sparked a trend of Tudor-themed films and fashion throughout the 1920s.

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